Corn Belt, Southern Plains Stay Warm and Dry

Warm, dry conditions will help crops finish maturing throughout the Corn Belt, USDA reports. By the end of the week, rain will arrive in the upper Mississippi Valley and cooler conditions will be felt throughout the Plains and Midwest.

High temperatures on Monday were expected to reach 90 degrees as far north as South Dakota.

Meanwhile, rain is being felt in the Pacific Northwest, where as many as 4" might be tallied in places over the next five days. The Gulf Coast region will see as many as 3", while states from the northern Rockies through the upper Mississippi Valley will see as many as 2".

Near- to above-normal temperatures are expected for most of the U.S. through Oct. 9, excluding the western Gulf Coast region and parts of the Four Corners States.